How to Elope in the Painted Hills: Best Locations, Permit Info, and Expert Planning Tips
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that’s completely your own (think one that is surrounded by natural beauty, feels meaningful, and is a little off the beaten path), then a Painted Hills elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. This one-of-a-kind landscape features colorful hills, desert beauty you won’t find anywhere else, and a peaceful environment that make it a truly magical place to say “I do.”
In this guide, I’m walking you through everything you need to know about how to plan a Painted Hills elopement – from the best times to visit and trail recommendations to permit info, vendors, and more!
Where are the Painted Hills?
First things first, where is Painted Hills, Oregon?
The Painted Hills are located in Central Oregon, near the tiny town of Mitchell, and about 2 hours from Bend. This region is part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, a protected area that’s home to some truly wild geological history (and yes, there are still active fossil digs happening here today!).
You can reach the Painted Hills by flying into either:
- Redmond Municipal Airport (1.5-hour drive)
- Portland International Airport (4-hour drive)
Driving is a must as this park is remote, however, the roads are paved and easy to drive, and what better way to kick off your elopement than with a road trip?
Why Choose a Painted Hills Elopement?
If you are looking for a unique place to elope in Oregon, this is definitely it! The Painted Hills are famous for their colorful hills in hues of red, gold, and orange. It’s a surreal and peaceful place that honestly feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet!
Outside of the beautiful landscape, this area is very popular for hiking and bird watching, and, of course, adventure elopements.
A Painted Hills elopement is perfect for couples who:
- Are looking for a quiet, intimate ceremony in nature
- Love desert landscapes, wide-open skies, and epic natural colors
- Want a meaningful adventure in a nontraditional space
Plus, because this area is not SO well-known, it’s a great way to elope somewhere unique without the crowds you’d find at many national parks.
When to Elope at the Painted Hills
Best Time of Year
The best time of year to elope in the Painted Hills is between late spring and early fall. Here is what you can expect by season within the park:
- Spring (April–June): This season brings a bit more rain, but the rain also makes the vibrant colors of the hills pop even more.
- Summer (July–August): Summertime is one of the best seasons to elope in the Painted Hills. Sunny skies and dry weather make for warmer days, plus, with more daylight hours, you’ll have even more time to explore the park.
- Early Fall (September–October): Cooler temperatures and gorgeous golden light make this a dreamy time to elope. This season also experiences some rain, but it is totally worth it for the views!
Best Time of Day
The Painted Hills are stunning at any hour, but sunrise and sunset truly bring out the colors in the hills. The sun bounces off the hills, and the colors come alive, making for the most beautiful backdrop! If you’re dreaming of soft, golden light and a more private experience, I highly recommend planning your ceremony during one of these golden hours.
Best Locations for a Painted Hills Elopement
There are several beautiful trails and lookout spots throughout the Painted Hills. Here are three of the top elopement locations to consider:
Painted Cove Trail
This is one of my favorite trails in the park. At only .25 miles long, this hike is more like a walk, and it’s the perfect location to explore with your guests. The boardwalk winds through the hills with bright red walls on either side and is a stunning place to stop for a few photos before heading to your ceremony.
Red Scar Knoll (Red Hill)
Also known as Red Hill, Red Scar Knoll is another short hike in the Painted Hills. The trail leads to a dramatic red hill surrounded by wide-open desert and seriously feels like you stepped into a safari landscape.
Carroll Rim Trail
The Carroll Rim Trail is one of the longest trails in the park, but don’t let that scare you. At only 1.6 miles, this hike can be done in less than 2 or 3 hours. This hike is moderately challenging, but worth it for the panoramic views at the end of the trail.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in the Painted Hills?
The short answer? Yes! If you’re holding a ceremony in the park, you’ll need to apply for a special use permit. The cost to apply for the permit is $50, and ceremonies can be held at two locations in the park:
- Painted Hills Picnic Area (up to 50 people)
- Painted Hills Overlook Trail (up to 16 people)
Applications should be submitted in advance via the park’s website and, once approved and received, should be kept with you on the day of your ceremony. As your elopement photographer, I will help walk you through the permit process to make things as easy and stress-free as possible.
Marriage License Requirements for an Oregon Elopement
To make your Painted Hills elopement official, you’ll need to apply for an Oregon marriage license before your elopement. Here’s what you need to know:
- Marriage license applications can be submitted in person or online through the county clerk’s office. The cost of the application is $60.
- There’s a 3-day waiting period before your license becomes valid, however, this can be waived for a small fee.
- Your license is valid for 60 days, so I recommend applying for it sooner rather than later in case of delays.
- Both parties must be present to pick up the license and show their IDs.
For more information about Oregon marriage licenses, click here.
Witnesses + Officiant
Oregon also requires an officiant and two witnesses to be present at your ceremony. You can hire an officiant or ask a loved one to become ordained for a more personal touch. If needed, I can also perform your ceremony as I am ordained.
If you don’t plan on inviting any guests to your Painted Hills elopement, I (if I’m not officiating) and one of your vendors can act as witnesses. Alternatively, we can usually find a visitor or two who will happily act as witnesses.
Elopement Vendors for a Painted Hills Elopement
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Hiring a team of vendors who specialize in elopements can make your day so much smoother and in line with your vision.
Here are some vendors you may want to consider:
- Elopement Photographer (hey, that’s me!)
- Videographer
- Florist
- Hair/Makeup Artist
- Private Chef or Caterer
- Elopement Planner/Coordinator
- Rental Company (for stylish setups or picnic experiences)
Where to Stay for Your Painted Hills Elopement
Just 20 minutes from the park, Mitchell, Oregon, is the most convenient town to stay for your elopement in the Painted Hills. However, this is a small town, so lodging options here can be limited.
If you want more amenities or flexibility, consider staying in Bend, Oregon. While this town is a bit further away (~2 hours), it has plenty of accommodations, including cute Airbnbs and boutique hotels to choose from. Plus, there are lots of dining and shopping options, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene!
When choosing your accommodations, one of the most important things to think about is how you want your day to flow. If you will be using your accommodations for getting ready or your first look, then consider the aesthetic and lighting, as those matter more than you think.
Meaningful Activities to Include in Your Painted Hills Elopement
Elopements are all about making your day your own, and one of the best ways to do that is by including elopement activities into your timeline. Here are a few ways to add intentional moments to your Painted Hills elopement:
- Read letters from family and friends
- Share a first look or private vows
- Pop champagne or share a celebratory drink
- Have a picnic
- Cut a mini cake
- Go for a post-ceremony hike or sunset stroll
- Dance under the stars
- Soak in a hot tub at your Airbnb
- Hire a private chef for a cozy dinner
Want more ideas? Check out my elopement activities guide below!
Sample Painted Hills Elopement Timelines
While every elopement day looks different, here’s a general guide for how many hours of photography coverage you might want for your Painted Hills elopement:
- 2 hours: Ceremony + portraits only
- 6 hours: Ceremony, portraits, and an adventure or special activity
- All-day: Full storytelling coverage from getting ready to hiking, vow exchange, sunset, and celebration with loved ones.
Painted Hills Elopement Packages
Ready to elope in the Painted Hills? I have a variety of packages designed to fit your special day! From two-hour elopements to all-day celebrations, you’ll not only get the elopement experience you’ve been dreaming of, but you’ll also have photos documenting your day from beginning to end, preserving your memories for years to come.
Each package includes:
- Photography Coverage
- Digital gallery of 75+ images per hour
- 6-8 week gallery delivery
- Wedding highlights slideshow
- 48-hour sneak peeks
- Elopement guide full of tips
- Timeline planning assistance
- Permit Guidance
- Communication throughout every step!
Click the link below to learn more about my elopement packages and what an elopement experience with me as your photographer can look like!
One of the best decisions you can make for your big day is choosing to elope your way! Whether you’re planning something simple and sweet or a full-day celebration with your closest loved ones, Painted Hills is a magical gem that offers the perfect backdrop.
If you’re dreaming about colorful hills, quiet trails, and an elopement that truly feels like you, I’d love to help you bring that vision to life.
Simply, click on the link below to get started!